We are aware that this extreme situation has severely affected not only the entire academic community of Charles University but the broader public and also shocked many people abroad. Therefore, Charles University is now offering all of its students and staff an extended spectrum of support in the form of psychological assistance at its counseling centres and outside of Charles University.
Recommendations for supporting mental health after a tragic event (pdf)
The management of Charles University (CU) and the Faculty of Arts of CU (FA CU) is making public the latest information following the tragic events of December 21, 2023.
➤ The main building of the Faculty of Art sat Palach Square will remain closed at least until the end of January 2024. The exact reopening date of the main building will be announced by the Faculty of Arts at a later date.
➤ The university leadership, including the leadership of individual faculties and components, is actively addressing the question of appropriate reinforcement of security measures.
➤ Latest information for students at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University from December 29, 2023 regarding the organization of teaching and fulfilling study obligations, the operation of the main building of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, the libraries and the Dean's Office, as well as ongoing psychological support and intervention | The management of both the Charles University and the Faculty of Arts, Charles University, is trying to be as accommodating as possible to students so that those who will be able to continue their studies as planned will be able to do so, and those who cannot will be able to extend their studies. The management is still discussing various options and will inform about them gradually. What is clear at the moment:
Until the end of the semester (i.e. until January 12, 2024), classes at the Faculty of Arts are cancelled.
The examination period at the Faculty of Arts will take place according to the academic year schedule, i.e. January 15 – February 18, 2024. The format may be adjusted depending on the circumstances. Specific information will be provided to the students by the lecturers and/or the management of the respective institute or department. The Dean's Board is endeavouring to find ways to resolve the situation as quickly as possible so that students are not subjected to further psychological pressure.
If students at the Faculty of Arts have any acute questions regarding the organisation of their studies and examinations, please contact the heads of their departments and institutes. Heads of departments and institutes will also be contacting everyone regarding study matters in more detail during the first week of January (from January 2, 2024).
➤ Teaching at other faculties of CU (excluding FA CU) continues as usual with the recommendation that all participants take a sensitive approach in light of the recent tragic events.
➤ Charles University will continue to provide organisational, material, and psychological support to all those in need and urges everyone who feels any need for psychological assistance to utilise available services. Such assistance is offered not only by CU and other entities (information can be found here) but also by the free Crisis Line of the Czech Police: +420 974 823 158. Please do not hesitate to seek help.
➤ The distribution/return of belongings | The majority of personal belongings (approximately 75 %) left in the main building of FA CU have already been returned to their owners. For technical and organisational reasons, the further distribution/return of personal belongings will take place from Thursday, January 4, 2024, throughout January 2024 every Thursday from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 pm, and every Tuesday from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. at CU POINT, Celetná 13, Prague 1 (namely 4. 1.; 9. 1.; 11. 1.; 16. 1.; 18. 1.; 23. 1.; 25. 1. and 30. 1. 2024).
➤ Any queries regarding the distribution of personal belongings can be directed to the Central Crisis Staff of Charles University until Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the telephone number +420 224 491 530. After this date, from Wednesday, January 3, 2024, inquiries concerning personal belongings will be addressed during regular working hours on the CU POINT telephone line +420 224 491 850. Furthermore, anyone who did not find their personal items complete or at all during the distribution is requested to contact the emergency line of the Czech Police directly: +420 974 823 158. Thank you very much for your understanding.
➤ A MONTH FOR THE FACULTY | As the main building of the Faculty of Arts will be closed for at least the whole January, a meeting place for the whole university community and the public is created. The return of academic life and the restoration of Jan Palach Square as a home space is a necessary part of the process of coming to terms with a tragic event that changed the life of the entire community in a short moment. The month for the faculty will take place at Jan Palach Square and will include various events that are currently in the pipeline.
➤ The memorial sites at Charles University's Carolinum on Ovocný trh and the main building of FA CU at Palach Square will be maintained at least until January 3, 2024, inclusive.
Charles University also expresses gratitude to the media for fair and sensitive reporting on the entire tragic situation and simultaneously appreciates when they do not give space to trivializing and derogatory reactions and statements.
We stand with all of you in these difficult times, and our thoughts remain with the families of the deceased and injured.
The original, continuously updated and most up-to-date statements of the university management on the tragic events at the Faculty of Arts on Thursday, December 21, 2023
In connection with the tragic attack at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, we would like to inform all mourners about the possibility of expressing remembrance in front of the Rector's Office of Charles University at Ovocný trh 3, Prague 1. Another memorial site was later established on Palach Square in front of the Faculty of Arts building.
Photo: Vadimír Šigut
➤ The Ecumenical Council of Churches invites you to a New Year's ecumenical service in memory of the victims of the attack at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University and their loved ones. The service will take place on January 1, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Hus congregation of the Church of the Catholic Church in Vinohrady, Dykova 1, Prague 10. Arrival to the church will be possible only until 5.45 p.m. due to the broadcasting of the Czech Television.
➤ A MONTH FOR THE FACULTY | As the main building of the Faculty of Arts will be closed for at least the whole January, a meeting place for the whole university community and the public is created. The return of academic life and the restoration of Jan Palach Square as a home space is a necessary part of the process of coming to terms with a tragic event that changed the life of the entire community in a short moment. The month for the faculty will take place at Jan Palach Square and will include various events that are currently in the pipeline.
What has already taken place...
A memorial service for the victims of the shooting at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University, was held at Charles University on Friday morning, December 22, in front of the main entrance to the Karolina building on the Fruit Market. The university administration, headed by Rector Milena Králíčková, was joined by representatives of the Czech Rectors' Conference.
Friday, December 22, 2023, at 7.30 p.m., saw an ecumenical service led by Msgr. prof. Tomáš Halík for the victims of the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of the Charles University take place in the Church of the Holy Salvator (Křížovnická 4) in Prague.
On Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 11 a.m., many people attended a requiem for the victims of the shooting at St. Vitus cathedral at Prague Castle. The event was organised by the Prague Archbishopric and Prague Castle.
On Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 3 p.m., an ecumenical prayer took place in the church of St. Martin in the Wall (Martinská 8, Prague) and a moment of silence was held for the victims of the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University.
Photo: Michal Novotný
The Charles University Endowment Fund has launched a collection to support the families of the victims and also faculty, staff, and students affected by the shooting at the Faculty of Arts. Charles University greatly appreciates the support that victims receive from Czech and foreign institutions, companies, and individuals through the Endowment Fund.
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Ovocný trh 5
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